Air current conveyer



March 19, 1935. J B, -mus AIR CURRENT CQNVEYER Filed Feb. 25, 1952 k 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 v. 1/ 3 a h March 19, 1935.

.J. B. scHAuB -AIR CURRENT C-ONVEYER 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 25, 1932 March 19, 1935. J B SCHAUB 3,994,899

AIR CURRENT CONVEYER Filed Feb. 25, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 March 19, 1935.

J. B. s'cHAuB 1,994,899

AIR CURRENT CONVEYER I Filed Fe'b.: 25, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Mar. 19, 1935 UNITED, STATES AIR CURRENT CONVEYER James Benton. Schaub, Wilmette, 111. Application February 25, 1932, Serial No. 595,052. 10 Claims. (Cl. 30217) after having been compressed greater than the pressure. of the atmosphere, as a conveying medium. It relatesto conveyersystems used to move grain from one location or storage bin. to another or from an unloading dock to a storage bin, or the reverse.

It also relates to conveyer systems used to move pulverized fuels and thelike' from one location toanother, as'for example from the discharge of the pulverizing apparatus, or from a suitable storage to the bins which supply the fuel to the boiler firechamber.

It more particularly relates; to conveyers used for transporting and elevating dry sand from a receptacle at approximately ground level to a receptacle sufficiently elevated to allow the sand to flow bygravity into the sand domes of railway locomotives.

The primary object of my invention, generally stated, is to provide novel and simple-improve1 ments in conveying apparatus of the general character above stated, to the end that such apparatus may be made to function ina more efiicient and automatic manner, and when desired, entirely independent of manual control. The type of facilities to which my invention may be especially applied is that used at railway locomotive terminals and servicing pointswhere-dry sand is supplied to railway locomotives. By the elimination of the need of frequent attention by an attendant, and by the conservation of compressed air, cnsiderable economy may be effected.

Other objects and uses will be apparent to those familiar with the art.

As a preface to the following description, it may be stated that a completeconveying system of the type to which myimprovements relate, may be considered as having two divisions. The one, that portion of the system located at the forwarding point and comprising a chamber into. which the materials to be forwarded or conveyed, are placed, and which may be closed and subjected to. internal pressure thereby causing movement of the mate-' rials in the chamber. This portion also comprises a means for placingthe materials into the charmher, also conduit connections and valves. It may.

also. comprise astorage chamber for retaining materials before being admitted to theforwarding chamber. The other, that portion of the system located at the delivery point and it may comprise merely the end of the conveyer conduit arranged to allow the materials to be discharged into the open or it may consist of a' delivery or storage chamber made of any suitablesize or shape. Said chamber will usually be elevated and provided with a suitable outlet whereby the. materials may be discharged by gravity. This second division also comprises meansfor: controlling. the flowr'of the materials that are being conveyed.

The invention may incorporate a feature set forth in my previous application for Letters Patent filedOctoberl'lth 1928, Serial No. 313,102, now issued Patent 1,846,069, namely that the pressure within the forwarding chamber varies. when the materials have been conveyed, from what it is when materials are being conveyed. The invention may also utilize a characteristic of the materials that are to be conveyed, namely their gravitational weight. It is a utilization of theseand other features that I desire to accomplish by means of the various apparatus describcd'and set forth in this application in order toeifect the claimed improvements-1 I By referring to the accompanying drawings, whereon like reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several figures?- FigureI is a composite elevation view illustrating a conveyer system of the character herein described and embodying an application of 'my I improvements. I It represents both divisions, the forwardingand thedeliver'y. Figure 2 is an enlarged'section view taken on line 22 on Fig ure 1. Figure 3 is an enlarged section view taken. on line 3--3' on Figurel. Figure 4 is an'enlarged' section view taken on line 44 on Figure 1'. Figure 5 is an enlarged section view taken on line 5-5 on Figure 1. Figure 6 is an enlarged section view of the valve 15 located in the compressedair supply conduit. Figure 7 is a diagram of an electrical circuit showing the wiring, controls, and motor connections wherebysthe conveyor system, when it comprises only the forwarding division, is automatically operated. Figure 8 is a diagram of an electrical circuit showing the wiring, controls, and motor connections whereby the conveyer system, when it comprises both the forwarding and delivery divisions, is automatically operated. Figure 9 is an. enlarged section view. taken on line 99 on Figure 12. Figure 10 is a diagram of an electrical circuit showing the wiring, controls, and. motor connections whereby the conveyer system, when it comprises only the forwarding division, is operated by means of an intermittent circuit breaker or time switch. Figure 11 is a diagram of an electrical circuit showing the wiring, controls and motor connections whereby the conveyer system, when it comprises both the forwarding and delivery divisions, is operated by means of an intermittent circuit breaker or time switch. Figure 12 is an elevation view illustrating another embodiment of a conveyer system of the character herein described and representing a control means arranged to be subjected to the influence of the materials when in a storage at the beginning of the process of being conveyed.

In the particular arrangement shown, acontainer of any suitable size and shape is designated 10. This container serves as the forwarding chamber of the conveyer system. The liquid or granular materials to be conveyed are introduced into the forwarding chamber through an openingat or near the top of the chamber. The materials are directed to the opening by means ofwa. suitable housing or funnel 11. A suitable valve arrangement isprovided for properly closing the opening when pressure is to be applied inside the forwarding chamber. This valve arrangement may consist of a semi-spherical member 30 which-will close against a concave seat 31 when actuated by the connecting member 32. A conduit 12 of suitable size and arrangement, connects forwarding chamber with a chamber 13. Chamber 13 functions as the delivery or storage chamber at the delivery point of the con- .veyer system in. case the materials conveyed are to be deposited in a reservoir for storage or temporary accumulation pending later disposal. Such is the case when dry sand is stored in an elevated storage to be dispensed to locomotives. If the materials conveyed are to be dispersed into the open this delivery chamber is dispensed with and'conduit 12 is opened to the atmosphere or into any suitable delivery head. The conveyer system is supplied with compressed air or gas from any suitable supply by means of conduit 14. This air supply conduit is intercepted by a ber 32.

valve 15. This valve 15 is operated to an open or to a closed position by means of an electrically operated motor 60 and the interconnecting series of gears 35, 36, and 37.

In" the illustrated construction, Figure 6, it will'be noted that a rotation of the valve plug or core 16, thru an angle of 90 degrees or onefourth part of a circumference, will cause the passage'to be changed from anopen to closed or from a closed to an open position. It will also be noted by referring to Figures 1 and 3, that the member 32 which actuates the valve member is subject tomotion in response to the rotation of a cam 34 which is placed in a proper alignment to make contact with the end of mem- As illustrated in Figure 3 the 'cam 34 is in such a position as to hold member 30 away from'the seat 31, against the reverse action of the spring 33 and thereby making an opening into the chamber 10. As the cam 34 rotates in a counterclockwise direction the member 32 will be perinitted to move upward due to the action of the spring 33 and as a result member 30 will seat against; the valve-seat 31 and close the opening. In the illustrated construction it will be noted that a'rotation of the cam thru an angle of 180 degrees or one-half of a circumference, will permit the'valve member 30to move'from a full open to aclosed position. It will also be noted that a further rotation of the cam 34 in a counterclockwise direction thru an angle of 180 degrees or one-half of a circumference will cause the member 32 to be moved downward against the reverse action of the spring 33 and as a result member 30 will move to its former full open position.

The electric motor 60 when rotating will cause gear 35 to rotate shafting 38 which in turn will, by means of gears 35 and 37, rotate shafting 39 which is connected to the valve plug 16 of the valve 15. By using the proper ratio between the gears it is readily seen that plug 16 will be in an open position when the valve member 30 is in a closed position and will rotate to a closed position as the valve member 30 moves to an open position.

By placing an intermittent circuit breaker or time switch in the electrical service line to the motor 60, the cycle of operation for conveying could be made perpetual. The time required to fill the chamber and the time required to empty it in the conveying process, could be determined for any given material to be conveyed and according to other influencing factors. Switches or circuit breakers may be used in combination with the intermittent circuit breaker .or time switch to start and stop the function of conveying dependent upon the available supply of inaterials-to be conveyed and dependent upon the quantity in storage at point of delivery. When the local conditions make such an arrangement advisable, it is evident that the conveying function of the system can be operated manually by means of a suitable arrangement of push buttons.

In order to more conveniently and under most conditions, more economically control the operation of the electrical motor, and yet keep the conveyer entirely automatic in operation, a system of switches-or circuit breakers operated by means herein described, and a system of electric conductors arranged as illustrated in Figure '7 or Figure 8, is provided.-

If the function of conveying is to be restricted by the regularity of supply of materials at the inlet to the forwarding chamber and without restriction or limitation at the point of delivery, the switches and the'electrical wiringarrangement may be as illustrated in Figure 7.

If the function of conveying is to be restricted by both the regularity of supply of materials at the inlet to the forwarding chamber and also the volume that can be retained in storage at the delivery point then the switches and electrical wiring arrangement may be as illustrated in Figure 8.

The switch 61 is operated by means of a connection to the shaft 39 and thereby its operation is made to bear a direct relationship to the opening and closing of the valve 15 and to the opening and closing of the inlet to the forwarding chamber. This switch'is of-the three-way type and has one set of contact points connected to one brushof the motor by means of the conductor 76, and each of the two remaining contact points connected to two points of the switch 28 by means of the conductors 74 and 75.

The switch 28 is operated by'means of a member 21 which is connected to a flexible diaphragm member 20. The diaphragm member 20 forms a part of the wall of the forwarding chamber 10. By referring to' Figure 2 it will be noted that the switch is of the double throw type and is normally held in the position shown, making contactbetween the switch points2425, due to the action of the spring 23. The diaphragm member is so arranged and so located in the wall cf the :forwarding chamber 1'0 that the weight o'f the material as it accumulates in the chamber, will oliset the effects of the spring 123 and cause members 20, 21, and 22 to move thereby breaking contact between switch points cat-25 and making contact betweenpoints 26- 27 Switch 43 shown in Figuresl and 4, and switch 53 shown in Figures 1 and 5 are providedto control the operation of the ccnveyer system contingent upon thequantity of materials in the delivery storage chamber. As shown in Figure '1 the switch 43 is locatedinra position near the top of the storage chamber '13 and the switch 153 is located at a lower elevation; By this ai'rang ment switch 43 is affected by a change in level of materials in storage when the storage r servoir is approximately filled, and switch 53 .is affected by a change in level of materials in storage when they :are at some lower but predetermined elevation. Switch 43 is located to provide .a limit in the operation of the conveying function to the endthat materials will not be conveyed in excess of the capacity of the delivery storage chamber. Switch 53 is located at some lower elevation such that theyoonveyer will :resumethe conveying function before the materials in storage have been reduced 'to an abnormally low level and yet not too soon after the storage has been filled, to function in an economical manner... V

The method of operationof switch 43'is shown in Figure. When the materials in storage reach a predetermined elevation, their gravitational weight acts against a flexible or diaphragm type member 40 causing it. to move. As member 41 is connected thereto it likewise moves. against the reverse. action of the spring 42 with the result that electrical contact is broken between contact points 45.4 I and is established between contact points 4H6. When the level of the materials in storage drops and the weight of the materials is removed from the flexible member the spring 42 moves the "members 4-1 and 40 to their former positions but a ratchet arrangement prevents there being any change in the electrical circuit.

The method of operation of switch '53 is shown in Figure 5. When the materials in storage reach a predetermined elevation their gravitational weight acts against a flexible or diaphragm member causing it to move. As member 51 is connected thereto itlikewise moves against the reverse action of the spring'52 with the result that a ratchet connection to the switch changes position but .no change is made the electrical circuit. When the level of the materials drops and their gravitational weight is thereby removed iromacting against member 50., the spring 52 causes members 50 and '51 to return to their former positions with the result that the electrical circuit is broken between contact points 54-56 and is established between contact points 55-57.

' For simplicity in illustrating, the switches or circuit breakers have been shown-on the drawings to be of the knife type. In constructiontheymay be of any type contingent upon; their functioning to meet the requirements 0: the conveyer system.

They may be of the mercury, or knife, or oi1,-or any other type, but should be of such type and detail as to properly make or break their respective-ci-rcuits at their proper periodical time in each cycle of operation.

4A cycle of cperationiis .as follows. .The materials to be conveyed pass into -theihopper w ll. the valve member '30 0f the inlet to the fiorwarding-chamber held in an open position, as illustrated, they pass oniinto the forwarding chamber. As the chamber becomes near full; their gravitational weight acts upon the member 20 and causes it to move. This also causes xneinbersfm and 22 to move with the-result that electrical contact broken between the switch points 24- 25 and established between the points 226-2 7. 7 By referringto Figure 8 it willbe noted that whenthis occurs the switch arm "62 of the switch 61 is makingrconta'ct.betwe'enthe switch points 64- 66 andthereby theelec'trical current is permitted to flow irom conductor #70 thru conductors 72, 73, T74, and '76,'thereby completing the circuit to conductor '78 ithru the. motor 60, causing "it to rotate. The rotating of motor closes the inlet valve member 30, opens the compressed air conduit valve 15 an'd'then rotates the switch arm '62 of the switch 61,with theiresult that contact is broken between the sw'itch'points 6466 and established between the switch points 6365; a result of breaking contact between switch points 64-66 the circuit from conductor 7 0 to conductor 78 is broken and the motor :stops rotating.- With the inlet valve member 30 in a closed position and the compressed air -supply conduit valve in an open position a pressure :is created in the forwarding "chamber I0 and the materials are conveyed or discharged thru the conduit I2. When the materials have been-con veyed their gravitational weight will-have been removed from the flexible member '20 also the pressure within the chamber will have decreased and the spring 23 will cause members '20, 2-1, and 22 to return to their former positions with the re.- sult that contact will 'bebro'ken between the switch points 267- 27 and re-established between the switchzpoint's '24--25. 7 As the switch arm of the switch 61 is now making contact between the switch points 63- 65 the circuit between conductors and '7 8 is completed and the motor "60 is again set-in rotation. As :a result of motor-69 rotating the valve 15 .in the. compressed :air-rsupply conduit is closed, the .iinletvalve member 30 to the iforwarding chamberis opened and thenthe switch arm-62 of the switch "61' is operatedto break contactbetween the switch points 63-65 and establish contact between points '6466. The breaking of contact between the'switch points 63-'65 again stops the motor. If materials are available in the hopper 11 they will flow into the forwarding chamber 10 andcause a repetition of the cycle. If there is no limit at the delivery point, the cycle of conveying will be repeated as long 'as materials are available to be conveyed In this case the electrical circuit, controls and motor connections may be as shown in Figure 5-7:.

If the materials after being conveyed, are deposited in a delivery chamber, 13,. and are not withdrawn they will in time accumulate until. a pressure is created by their gravitational weight, against the flexible member fid'and cause it to move. As member 51 is attached to member 50it will also move, against the reverse action of the spring 52, and intur'n cause the ratchet member of the switch 53 to change position in relation: ship to the switch arm 58 0f the switch 53. i action will not make any change inthe electrical circuit there'iore the conveyer system will continue to function and convey materials. If not withdrawn they will in time'accumulatev the delivery chamber .13 to a sufiicient idBpth to'oause pressure due totheir gravitational weight,.against the member and cause it to move.- As member 41 is attached to member .40it will also move against the reverse action of the spring 42 and thereby cause the switch arm 48 of the switch 43 to moveand break contact between 1 the switch points -4547 and establish contact between the switch points 44-46. By referringto the circuit diagram Figure 8 it will be'noted that this change breaks the continuity of the electrical circuit between conductor 70 and conductor 72, and as a re-' sult there willbe no further rotation of the motor 60. However, since this-change is likely to take place while materialsfare being conveyed, it is likely that the compressed air supply conduit valve 15 will be in an open position. In order to bring this. valve to a closed. position the shunt conductor 7'7 is provided. While materials are being conveyed contact is made between the switch points 2627, of the switch 28 and-between switch points 63-65 of the switchfil. At this time the valve. inthe compressed air supply conduit is in an open position. When the weight of the materials isremoved from the flexible member .20, as stated above, contact will be broken between the switch points.26-27 and established between the switch points 24-25. This will result in closing the circuit between the conductors 70 and 78, and motor .60 will rotate and close. the valve 15 thereby preventing any loss of compressed air.

As the materials are withdrawn from the deliverychamber 13 their pressure due to gravitational weight,will be removed from the flexible member 40 and by the action of the spring42 and rod member 41 it will return to former position. A ratchet arrangement provided in theswitch 43 will permit this change without making any change in the electrical circuits or contacts. As

more materials are withdrawn from the. chamber 13 the pressure due to their gravitational weight will be removed from the flexible member and due to action of the spring 52 and rod member 51 it will return tov its former-position. This action will cause theswitch arm 58 of the switch 53 to change position with the result that con,- tact between the switch points 5 156 will be broken and contact between switch points 5557 will be established. By referring to, the circuit diagram Figure 8 it will be notedthat this change establishes a circuit between conductors 71 and 73, and assuming that sufiicient materials have accumulated in the forwarding chamber 10 to cause the switch28 to have contact made between switch points 2627, then a continuous circuit is established between conductor 70 and conduc- -tor 78 and as a result the motor will be set in rotation, andthe conveyer system will again perform the function of conveying.

In case'it isdesired to use an intermittent circuit breaker or time switch to operate the con veyer system, the fundamental principles of the conveyer system, details of construction, and incorporated elements will be substantiallyas described in the preceding paragraphs of this specification. In order to control the conveying function of the conveyer system" with respect to the available supply of materials to be conveyed, a switch 96, shown in. Figure 12 and enlarged in Figure 9, is provided. This switch'may be located at any'convenient point in thesupply storage chamber, where it will be subjected to pressure from the gravitational weight of the materials to be'conveyed. Preferably itshould be located near the inlet to the forwarding chamber in order to take advantage of the maximum storage ca pacity.

The switch or circuit breaker 96 may be a simple single pole type whereby contact is made or broken between the contact points 9495 by a movement of the switch arm 92. The flexible or diaphragm member .90, being so located as to be responsive to the gravitational weight of the materials to be conveyed, moves downward when a supply is available in the supply storage chamber, and as member 91 is connected thereto it likewise moves, against the reverse action of the spring 93, with the result that switch arm 92 moves and electrical contact is made between contact points 94-95. When the materials have been removed from the supply storage chamber the-flexible member 90, the switch arm 92, and the connecting member 91, due to the action of the spring 93, will all move to their former positions. As a result electrical contact will be broken between the switch points 94-95.

The electric wiring or circuit diagram for the conveyer system using an intermittent circuit breaker or time switch, and without limitation due to the conveyed materials at the delivery point, is shown in Figure 10. The intermittent circuit breaker or time switch, indicated as 80, may be of the single pole type. It will be noted that by means of the switch 61, and the shunt connection 82 the system will always cease to function with the valve 15 in the compressed air supply conduit, in a closed position and thus conserveth'es'upply of compressed air. The electric wiring or circuit diagram-for the conveyer system using the intermittent circuit breaker or time switch, and having limitations due to the conveyed materials at the deliverypoint, is shown in Figure 11. The intermittent circuit breaker or time switch, indicated as 81, should be of the double pole type in order that the shunt connection 83 can act as a separate circuit and by means of switch 61 cause the system to cease to function with the valve 15 in a closed position, as noted in the preceding casej The valve 15 shown in Figure '1 and Figure 12, and enlarged in Figure 6, should preferably be made substantially'as shown in order that a relatively small angle of rotation from a full open position will cause the valve to be closed and a relatively large angle of rotation from a closed position is required to cause the valve to open.

The cam 34 is shown in'Figure 3 as being shaped unsymmetrical about any axis. The outer contour of this cam maybe madein other shapes. A contour substantially as shown is most desirable in order to keep a proper relationship between the opening and closing of the inlet to the forwarding chamber 10 and the application of pressure to the interior of the chamber. In the cycle of operation when the materials have been admitted intothe forwarding chamber it is necessary for most successful operation to have the filling inlet closed before the compressed air is applied in order to prevent forcing the materials out thru the filling inlet. Likewise it is necessary to cut off the compressed air supply connection to the forwarding chamber as soon after the materials have been discharged from the forwarding chamber as possible and especially before the inlet to the forwarding chamber has again been opened. The arrangement shown is proposed to accomplish these requirements. The two valves operate in a harmonious relationship ,over any complete cycle, but in a reversed sequence, alternately. An

eccentric connection could be substituted for the cam m'ethod of operation.

It-is evident that different types 'of co'n'struction from those 'hereinbefor'e used for purposes or example, in the'various parts of the system, will be better suited for "different kindsfo'f mate-rials to'be conveyed. 7

Itis evident that by the use of only one flexible member mounted in the delivery chamber and operatively connected to a switch or circuit breaker, the materials in the chamber can be held almost constantly at one level. That is to say, a very slight variation in the-quantity iof materials in the delivery chamber will cause the system "toeither s't'art or cease the conveying function, provided there -is a supply 1 at the forwarding point. The shunt connection in the wiringarrangement will operate in the's'ame -manne-r to bring the va1ve-i-n tne compressed airfisupply conduit to a closed position, when for anyreason the conveyin'g'fuhction isstoppeu.

prom the fore'goi-ngdescription and the accompanyin'g illustratio-ns it will be readily understood that the conveyer-system as setforth can be made fully automatic in operation, contingentl only upon proper sources of compressed air andele'otricalenergy. If an ii'r'iinterrupted supply of materials to be cOnVeyed'are available the system will convey them continuousuly -if no restricted delivery-storage is provided-andif 'such storage is provided, will-convey or cease to convey depending upon the pre-det'er mined capacity of the storage, and 'if the materi'als tobe conveyed cease to be available the system will cease to function until the-'materi-alsare again available, and then start the function of conveying, all without manual attention.

'Cams having symmetrical and unsymmetrical contours or eccentric flexible connections that produce irregular motions are neither new nor novel; I do not claim such-as my invention, only as they enter into the combination.

The use of electrical motors to operate valves and switches by means of mechanical transmission of -power,-eith'er in singles'orin combination are neither new nor novel. I do not claim such as my invention, only in combination.

Electrical switches or circuit breakers of the kind and type referred to in this specification are neither new nor novel. I do not claim such as my invention, only in combination.

Intermittent circuit breakers, time switches, and similar devices for controlling the flow of electrical current, operated by means of springs, electric motors, and the like are neither new nor novel. I do not claim such as my invention, only in combination.

I have illustrated and described herein certain apparatus which may be employed to accomplish the purpose of my invention. It is however to be understood that various other forms of apparatus may be utilized to accomplish the purpose. It is likewise to be understood that many detail parts of the apparatus may be considerably modified and changed without departing from the essential features or sacrificing any of the advantages of my invention.

As being new and the principles exemplified by the particular example shown and that which I desire to secure by Letters Patent; I claim;

1. In a conveyer of the class described, the combination of a forwarding chamber having a compressed air supply conduit, a discharge conduit, and a filling inlet connected thereto, a valve for the said filling inlet, a valve in the said compressed air suppl conduit, means :for operating the said valves in a sequential ord'er 'and alternating after'each operation, a=delivery chamber' for receiving materials from said discharge conduit, a plurality of means-for starting or stopping the said valve operating means, and a plurality :of membersadapted to have movement responsive to variations in gravitational weight oi them'a't'erials being conveyed, mounted at different levels in the saiddelivery chamber andoperatively -oo'nnected-to the said last-named means.

2. In a conveyer of the'class described, the combination of -a forwarding chamber having a compressedair supply conduit and adis'charge conduit connected thereto, 'means adapted f-to have movement responsive to variations in gravitational weight of the materials "in the said "forwarding chamber, an electric circuit breaker operatively connected to the said means, a filling inlet for the said forwarding chamber, a valve for the said filling inlet, a valve in the 'said "com pressed air supply conduit, electrically operated means for opening and closing the said-valves, a delivery chamber adapted to receive materials from the said discharge conduit, a plurality of means adapted to have movement responsive to variations in gravitational weight of the '-materials in the said delivery 'ohamben-a plurality-of electric circuit breakers, each operatively-connected to one of the said last-named means, and a system of electric conductors interconnecting the said circuit breakers and the said va-lye operating means. v I

3. Ina conveyer of the class described, the-combination of a forwarding chamber-having a compressed air supply conduit and 'a discharge c'onduit connected thereto, means adapted'tohave movement responsive to variations in gravitational weight of the materials in the -s'aid' 'forwarding chamber, an electricoircuit'breakeroperatively connected to the saidmeans, avalve in the said compressed air supply conduit, electrically operated means for opening-and closing the said "valve, a delivery-chamber adapted to receive materials from the said discharge conduit, a plurality of means adapted to have movement responsive to variations in gravitational weight of the materials in the said delivery chamber, a plurality of electric circuitbreakers, leach operatively connected to one of the saidlastnamed means, and a system of electric conductors interconnecting the said circuit breakersand the said valve operating means.

4. In a conveyer of the class described, the combination of a forwarding. chamber havinga compressed air supply conduit and a discharge conduit connected thereto, means adapted to have movement responsive to variations in gravitational weight of the materials in the said forwarding chamber, a filling inlet for the said forwarding chamber, a valve for the said filling inlet, electrically operated means for opening and closing the said inlet valve, a'delivery chamber to receive materials from the said discharge conduit, a plurality of means adapted to have movement responsive to variations in gravitational weight of the materials in the said delivery chamber, an electric circuit breaker operatively connected to the said first-named means, a plurality of electric circuit breakers, each operatively connected to one of the said last-named means, and a system of electric conductors interconnecting the valve operating means and the circuit breakers.

5. In a conveyer of the class described the combination of a forwarding chamber'having a compressed air supply conduit, a discharge conduit, and a filling inlet connected thereto, a valve in the compressed air supply conduit, a valve in the filling inlet, a shaft adapted to operatethe valve in the compressed air supply conduit, a cam mounted on the said shaft and adapted to operate the valve in the filling inlet, and a means for operating the said shaft, said means being automatically controlled by the presence or absence of materials in the forwarding chamber. 7 1

6, In a conveyer of the class described the combination of a forwarding chamber having a compressed air supply conduit, a discharge conduit, and a filling inlet connected thereto, a valve in the compressed air supply conduit, a valve in the filling inlet, a shaft adapted to operate the valve in the compressed air supply conduit,

, a cam mounted on the said shaft and adapted to operate the valve in the filling inlet to an open orclosed position, sequentially to the opening and closing of the valve in the compressed air supply conduit alternating after each cycle of operation, and a means for operating the said shaft.

'7. In a conveyer of the class described the combination of a forwarding chamber having acompressed air supply conduit, a discharge conduit, and a filling inlet connected thereto, a valve in the compressed air supply conduit, a valve in the filling inlet, a shaft adapted to operate the valve in the compressed air, supply conduit, a cam mounted on'the said shaft and adapted to operate the valve in the filling inlet to an open or closed position, sequentially to the opening and closing of the valve in the compressed air supply conduit alternating after each cycle of operation, and a means for operating the said shaft, the last-named means being automatically controlled by the gravitational weight of the ma terials in the forwarding chamber.

8. In a conveyer of the class described, the combination of a forwarding chamber and a delivery chamber having a conduit interconnection, a compressed air supply conduit connection to the forwarding chamber, a valve in the compressed, air supply conduit, an inlet for filling the forwarding chamber, a valve in the said inlet, a shaft adapted to operate the valve in the compressed air supply conduit, a cam mounted on the said shaft and adapted to operatethe valve in the filling inlet, and a means for operating the said shaft, said last-named means being automatically controlled by the gravitational Weight of the materials in the forwarding chamber or the delivery chamber; 7 p p 9. In a conveyer of the class described, the combination of a forwarding chamber and a delivery chamber having a conduit interconnection, a compressed air supply conduit connection to the forwarding chamber, a valve in the compressed air supply conduit, an inletfor filling the forward ing chamber, a valvein the said inlet, a means for withdrawingmaterials from the delivery chamber, a shaft adapted to operate the valve in the compressed air supply conduit, a cam mounted on the said shaft and adapted to operate the valve in the filling inlet, a means for operating the said shaft, and a means for controlling the operation of the shaft operating means, said means being adapted to operate in response to the accumulation or to the withdrawal of materials from the delivery chamber.

l0. In a conveyer of the class described, the combination of power operated control means that has an operative and a non-operative relationship to the conveyer, a chamber for receiving conveyed materials, flexible members mounted in the said chamber, an electric circuit breaker operatively connected to each of the said flexible members, a system of electric conductors interconnecting the power operated control means and the circuit breakers, and an auxiliary electric conductor interconnected to shunt said circuit breakers when the power operated control means and conveyer are in a predetermined relationship. 7

JAMES BENTON SCHAUB. 

